Celebrating 10 years of Positive Change Leadership!

In light of the 2016 election, the need to fact check (and perhaps make sure we also focus on positive news) has become “Huge!”. However many leaders are just too busy scrambling right now to ensure that global progress facts are getting out there. This applies to political, corporate and non profit agencies, world leaders and small to large governance boards everywhere.

With recent headlines heralding “Fear, Chaos and Confusion”, we thought we would share these two upbeat positive facts lists to start your week. See below for two fact checked source lists of 8 items (you don’t always need 10), a What Can I do? section and a Trump-related example piece.

Leadership Tip – Try an upbeat meeting ice-breaker using a Did You Know 5 minute discussion with some of these facts.

Global Poverty Reduction

Extreme poverty has been cut in half in the last 30 years.

The number of totally destitute people on the planet has been reduced by 50%.

Since 2000, millions of children born who were not expected to live to the age of 5, did survive to go on to school.

There is much to be done and billions still live in poverty. However, we are on the right track. The majority of the organizations implementing these positive changes are led by boards of directors – governance teams. More about why that may be of interest to you below.

More birthing Mothers Surviving – Though 830 Mothers still die in childbirth daily worldwide, the maternal death rate is declining steadily, with the World Health Organization’s global goal being 70 deaths per 100,000.

Diseases in Decline – Cancer, Dementia, Hip Fractures, Heart disease, Hypertension, high Cholesterol are All on the Decline.

Life expectancy has doubled since 1900, globally.

What Can I Do?

A resurgence in involvement with political action and community advocacy has been seen since the change in administration in the USA. This includes action of all types to contribute to positive change. Helping lift people out of poverty, addiction, poor health, inequality and more, are examples where organizations exist which need you. Where and how can you get involved in your community?

Join a board of directors in your community: choose the types of organizations whose mission you feel you contribute to.

From your local YWCA, School Board, Meals On Wheels, Mental Health and Addiction agency and many more, there is a board or volunteer opportunity for you.

Make a difference in your own area and wider sphere by joining action groups, signing petitions and working online – of course, fact checking is now key in any public efforts.

Your voice can help to reduce poverty, strengthen positive political initiatives and contribute to global positive change.

History-in-the-making Example of Rising Up for Positive Change – Scientists Decide to Get Political

Positive Reaction to Trump Policies and Executive Orders – More comfortable with the Petri dish, 400 scientists – consummate fact-checkers, have been inspired to run for office, with the group 314 Action (as in the number Pi) acting as the support system. Fact Check here: http://www.314action.org/home .

314 Action is concerned that STEM education in the United States is falling further and further behind the rest of the world, that our political leaders continue to deny scientific facts and that Congress fails to fully fund scientific research so we can solve pressing environmental issues like climate change and social problems like gun violence.

STEM education is within the disciplines of: science, technology, engineering and mathematics.